June 14/05 Report
1:51 pm to 2:07 pm

Committee members present:

• Chair P. Bruckler: 1:30 pm
• D. Mitchell: 1:30 pm
• A. Samson: 1:39 pm
• B. Morelli: 1:50 pm
• M. McCarthy: 1:53 pm
• T. Jackson: 1:55 pm
  
  Note: all members stayed until 2:07 pm.

Staff present:

• Stephanie Paparella
• William Fenwick
• Joe-Anne Priel
• J. Kay
• B. Browett
• A. Bradford

The minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee of Tuesday, May 24 05 were approved.

Approval was given for an appearance at the next meeting of the Committee by Carl Fraser, Chair of the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club re. a proposal to fund and construct an artificial ice rink at the Dundas Driving Park.

Re. Item 9.1, McCarthy moved, with Samson seconding the motion that the General Manager for the Hamilton Emergency Services be authorized to direct Ministry of Health and Long-term Care one-time grant funds of $161,957 to the Vehicle Capital Reserves for ambulances and paramedic response units, and $34,019 to the Operating Budget for Emergency Medical Services medical equipment. This motion was approved. Reference HES05001, City Wide.

Re. Item 8.2, Discontinuation of Victoria Day Fireworks at Dundas Driving Park Due to Safety Concerns, CS05012, Ward 13, the following: Samson noted that he believed that discontinuation was to be for this year, but not forever and that fireworks in Dundas had been going on for 30 years and if this were discontinued forever, this would be considered as a loss of service. He noted that the report implies this is to be discontinued forever and that $20,000 be devoted to community projects in Dundas. Fenwick introduced Anna Bradford who is to update the Committee about a meeting on the matter, to wit: an expert is to be called in to allow for a safer way of dealing with fireworks in Dundas, in particular for a "family fireworks" display using customary "convenience store" type of fireworks, operated by a fireworks company and that it was understood that the $20,000 be used for Dundas projects. Jackson said that he agreed with Samson's concerns, including damages to the Dundas Tennis Club. Mitchell stated that the fireworks needed to be continued this year and he wanted funds split between Dundas community and the rest of Hamilton for bigger fireworks displays. Bruckler referred to Albion community's fireworks undertaken in the past for $3,000, attracting from 10,000 to 15,000 people in the valley park. Jackson moved that the $20,000 saving resulting from the discontinuation of the fireworks in Dundas be allocated to other community projects with first priority being given to consideration for Dundas and that ongoing discussions be held between staff and the Ward 13 Councillor and his community council. Samson seconded the motion with the comment that the Dundas fireworks effort could be at the same location (that is, the Driving Park). This motion was approved.

Re. Item 8.3, Dundas Senior Hockey (CS05015) (Ward 13) Chair Bruckler noted that Don Robertson of the Dundas Senior Hockey Club was present in the chamber and that this matter had to do with advertising at the J. L. Grightmire Arena in Dundas for revenue to the city and for fund-raising by hockey clubs. This matter was approved following a motion from Samson, seconded by Morelli.

Re. Item 8.4, Outstanding Business List, Fenwick reported that a date was not available re. Item "M" - Proposed Skateboard Location, Turner Park, Public Open House, but would be determined at a meeting in the near future.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:07 pm.